Dom Tower

The Dom Tower, or Domtoren, is the symbol of Utrecht and the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. It rises to about a hundred and twelve metres above the old centre, and from almost any point in the city it is visible, which makes it a natural point of orientation. It was built in the fourteenth century as the bell tower of the cathedral of Saint Martin, and when the nave of the cathedral collapsed in a storm in 1674, the tower survived, and now stands alone across the square from what remains of the church.

Construction began in 1321 and continued for about sixty years. The tower was designed in the Gothic style, with three stages, each with elaborate decoration: a solid lower square tower, an octagonal middle section with tall windows and a lantern at the top. The upper parts are lighter and more open, which gives the whole structure a graceful look despite its mass. Its design was influential, and several other towers in the Netherlands were modelled on it. The carillon in the tower has dozens of bells, which ring out over the city on the hour and play tunes at set times.

Climbing the tower is a highlight for many visitors. The ascent is made on a guided tour, as the narrow stairs inside have to be managed carefully, and the tour takes visitors up around four hundred and sixty-five steps. On the way up, the guide explains the history of the building and shows the rooms and mechanisms, including the chamber with the bells and the ringing apparatus, and at the top, an outdoor gallery offers a panorama of the city and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day the view extends across the flat landscape for many kilometres, and the rooftops, canals and church towers of Utrecht lie below.

The tower stands beside the Dom Church, which preserves the surviving choir and transepts of the old cathedral, and the area between them, the Domplein, was once the nave. The cloister, the Academiegebouw of the university and the Museum Catharijneconvent are close, and the canals lie just beyond. The tower is open daily, with tours departing at set times, and tickets can be bought in advance.

The climb suits those who are reasonably fit and not afraid of heights or confined stairs. Wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for wind at the top. Book ahead for popular times.